Pirate BBC Essex

Keith Skues

Keith Skues

Keith Skues is "the jewel in the crown of East Anglian radio" - that's according to his fellow legend John Peel, and to his thousands of fans. He is the only broadcaster in the world to have completed broadcasting with Forces Radio, the pirates, Radio Luxembourg, independent local radio and BBC national, regional and local radio.

His broadcasting career started the year the LV18 was built - both are in excellent form.

Keith was an original Radio Caroline presenter, and also broadcast on Radio London, before joining the Radio 1 launch party. It was there his vast knowledge of popular music was crystallised in the award winning 'The Story of Pop.'

Keith was programme director of Sheffield ILR station Radio Hallam in the 70s and 80s, and rejoined the BBC in 1995. 

Norman St John

Norman St John

Australian born Norman arrived in the UK in 1965 and was heard first on Radio City. He then joined Caroline in July 1965, initially as a news-reader, later moving on to presenting programmes. When the Mi Amigo lost her anchor in January 1966, Norman was one of the DJs hauled ashore. On 5th July 1966 he joined rival Radio London, where he stayed until the following February. After a time on Radio Luxembourg Norman returned to Australia and worked in radio and television there for about ten years. He then went into the aviation business, obtaining a pilots licence and selling aircraft thoughout Australia, Asia and the South Pacific.

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker made his name in the 60s with the pirate ship Radio Caroline. His night-time show was essential listening for 86% of the night-time audience, which increased to over 20 million Europe-wide on the night of 14 August 1967, as Walker and 'Caroline' continued in defiance of Government legislation which silenced all the others.

During his first seven-year period with Radio 1 from 1969 to 1976, Johnnie established a reputation as a DJ who accorded more importance to the records he played than the chat in between. On his lunchtime show, he pioneered new names like Steve Harley, Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, and Steely Dan.

Graham Webb

Graham Webb

He worked for Radio Monte Carlo, Radio Norway and the Voice of Germany before ending up on Radio Caroline South in May 1965. After time as a DJ, with a show called Cobweb Corner, he became news director for the Caroline network organising the Newsbeat bulletins for both ships. He also commentated on offshore radio's only on-air wedding, that of DJ Mick Luvzit to Janet Teret. After his time at sea Graham returned home to Australia where he has had a successful radio and television career.